turning your hustle into a business

I am the last person on Earth to tell someone go and get a job. I say Go and Build a job. Over the weekend I attended a meet-up for Mompreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs on marketing yourself and not being afraid of publicity. It was dynamic to say the least! Connecting and networking with some brilliant minded individuals that just need an extra push.

I’ve met so many wonderful, encouraging and inspiring women along this journey — it’s priceless. We all want the same things regardless of color, to contribute to the legacy of our namesake and build for our family. And hopefully, empower others to go for it too.

So now what do you do?

Make money moooooooves… I love Cardi B!

I have been doing odd administrative jobs here and there for local businesses, family and friends. It never dawned on me to make that my official business until this year. I’ve heard from many entrepreneurs the best time to start a business is when you’re unemployed or fed up with what you’re doing. You have more time to invest into your venture. Broke but time to build your brand. I began writing for this blog to document my journey into motherhood but see it has turned into so much more. I’ve learned so much from strangers and advocates of black motherhood and parenting.

You have to have more than one stream of income, at least seven according to Warren Buffet, to achieve success, i.e. become rich. Not seven pop up shops but diversifying and dealing investments, mutual funds, acquiring property, and so on..

I am a creative and a true creative can dabble in just about most things artistically. So I found myself thinking of businesses that I could brand later on. I came up with four. Crazy right? All with very little start up costs.

Let’s see there’s my blog, Love, Cotton + Curls…..(holla at me), there’s my virtual assistant services called CreateGo Studio where we assist homes, new Moms, Mompreneurs and small businesses with personal concierge service, adimistrative and operational support, then there’s my conscious t-shirt line for kids and finally to tickle my social entrepreneurialism there is She Laughs, my baby, a soulcial gathering of African American girls ages 5-14 celebrating pioneering women through arts + crafts, a different kind of girl talk! Date to be announced so go follow please.

You know I don’t want to come across as the get rich quick lady. But at the end of the day I’m rich, what’s wrong with that lol. I used to let self doubt and other people’s opinions shape how I approach these ventures. But why hide your talent?! Don’t keep it a secret, there is someone out there that needs your business.

I now know my capabilities and responsibilities to not only my family but my surrounding community. That’s the key to life I believe…we’re here to help someone else. My goal is to show that I will keep trying until I get it right. I want my boys to see that anything is possible. Especially with the internet at your hands, for now…..unless Congress blocks the net neutrality bill, ooops did I say that….

Anyway, with God and YouTube…. chile anything is possible. I want them to know they don’t have to depend on anyone to give you anything.

Clark Atlanta University has a mantra of “Find a way, or make one!” I keep that mind, often!!

No excuses!

Can’t get any simpler than that, right?

So what’s holding you back, fear? Afraid you might actually be pretty good at it? Don’t listen to the naysayers or yourself for that matter. We have to live, speak and breathe positivity. A lot of times people don’t believe in your dream because you don’t. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with finding a career from 9-5 with benefits and steady income, the life right.

This post is for the dreamer, the risk taker, the fed up….yeah you!

You’d be surprised to find that everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. I’m still learning this. and each time I conquer fear it was the best decision ever time and time again. If you fail, so what– keep trying, keep fighting and keep pushing and you my friend will have your own definition of a success in no time.

Find what you’re good at DO THAT!

And legalize it.

Find a name for your business and visit your State Secretary website to make sure it is not taken. Go ahead and use the name for emails and websites to secure no one else can use your name or domain. If you live in the state of Georgia click here.

2. Work on creating your logo if you have not done so.

3. Depending on the type of business and state secure a business license with your state.

And brand it.

4. Pick colors that you will use in your logo, assuming you have one, business cards and websites to create a consistent theme of your business. People get used to seeing creative and captivating colors associated with your brand.

And market it.

5. Scared money don’t make no money. This is so true. Do not be afraid to tell everyone about your business. Market, market, market the hell out of it. Set up social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to market your business. This is the quickest and cheapest type of advertisement and marketing.

I love seeing other women connect and win. This is why I began my VA business– to help elevate and create space for other women to thrive and be.

Work hard for it and in due time….

Mo money, mo problems?

Do you have a side hustle you’ve always wanted to turn into a business? What’s keeping you from that dream?